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All terms Flashcards

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1
Q

Vedas

A

The earliest collection of hymns and text.

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2
Q

the Upanishads

A

The critical philosophical inquiry of the early Vedics that rethinks their ideas such as karma, samsara, and moksha.

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3
Q

Brahman

A

Ultimate reality.

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4
Q

atman

A

The innermost essence of a person.

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5
Q

Vishnu in Vaishnavism?

A

Worships Vishnu, known for preserving and protecting the universe; famous incarnations are Rama (Hero of Ramayana, known for his righteousness and devotion to dharma) and Krishna (Divine strategist and teacher in the epic and the Gita)

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6
Q

Shiva in Shaivism

A

Appears simultaneously in paradoxical roles: creator/destroyer; represented by a linga; Nataraja (The cosmic dancer aspect of Shiva)

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7
Q

Devi/Shakti in Shaktism?

A

Divine Mother (Devi) and feminine energy (Shakti) as the highest power, often not seen as all-powerful.

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8
Q

ishta-devata

A

The god you relate to the most, a personally chosen deity for worship and meditation.

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9
Q

avatar

A

The descent of a deity to earth in human or animal form, such as Rama or Krishna.

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10
Q

dharma

A

Moral and religious duties appropriate to one’s class, stage of life, and personal circumstances.

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11
Q

Four castes?

A

Brahmins (Priests), Kshatriyas (Warriors/Kings), Vaishyas (Merchants), Shudras (Servants).

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12
Q

karma

A

The law of cause and effect; actions have consequences that shape future experiences.

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13
Q

samsara

A

The beginningless cycle of rebirth.

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14
Q

moksha

A

Liberation; the freedom from the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth

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15
Q

yoga

A

Meditation; includes Karma (selfless action), Bhakti (Devotion to God), Jnana (Knowledge and Wisdom), and Raja (Meditation).

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16
Q

guru

A

Spiritual teachers/leaders.

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17
Q

mantra

A

A word and sound that helps concentration when meditating.

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18
Q

tantra

A

A body of ritual practices and the text interpreting them, translates to ‘To Stretch’ or ‘To Expand’.

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19
Q

Mahabharata

A

An epic Sanskrit poem recounting the Kurukshetra war and including the Bhagavad Gita.

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20
Q

darshana

A

A form of Hindu worship in which one sees (and is seen by) a deity.

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21
Q

prasada

A

Literally ‘grace’; offerings made to the deity and returned to devotees as a blessing.

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22
Q

puja

A

Ritual act of worship involving offerings to a deity.

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23
Q

three teachings (sanjiao)

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A

The three major traditions of China: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Often seen as complementary rather than conflicting.

24
Q

Li

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A

Rituals that uphold harmony and order in society.

25
self-cultivation
The process of improving one’s character and moral virtue through learning, reflection, and ethics.
26
Junzi
A 'gentleman' or superior person.
27
Ren
Goodness, benevolence.
28
filial piety
Deep respect and devotion to one’s parents and ancestors.
29
Qingming
A traditional Chinese festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) where people honor and clean the graves of their ancestors, reflecting filial piety.
30
Dao
'The way' or 'Path,' representing the natural order and flow of existence.
31
Wuwei
'Non-action' or 'effortless action' that aligns with the natural flow of the Dao rather than forcing things.
32
Ziran
'Naturalness' ideal of being true to one’s nature and the natural world without artificial interference.
33
Alchemy
The practice of internal and external transformation aimed at immortality or prolonging life.
34
Qi
Vital energy or life force that flows through all things; central to Chinese cosmology, medicine, and martial arts.
35
yin-yang
Complementary opposites that together create balance and harmony in the universe.
36
The Cultural Revolution
A political movement in China (1966–1976), launched by Mao Zedong, aimed at preserving Communist ideology by purging remnants of traditional culture, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.
37
Buddha
The Enlightened One; title given to Siddhartha Gautama after achieving enlightenment.
38
Dharma
Teachings of Buddha, the path to enlightenment.
39
Sangha
A congregation of people assembled for religious worship.
40
Sutra
A discourse of the Buddha.
41
Skandha
The five categories of physical and mental existence.
42
Karma
The law of moral; cause and effect.
43
Samsara
The cycle of life driven by karma and cravings.
44
Nirvana
The ultimate goal in Buddhism, the cessation of suffering and release from samsara.
45
merit-making
Accumulating good karma through virtuous deeds, generosity, and devotion.
46
vipasyana or vipassana
Insight Meditation, a practice aimed at gaining deep understanding of impermanence, suffering, and no-self.
47
shamatha or samatha
Calm-abiding Meditation, a practice focused on concentration and mental tranquility.
48
Vesak
A festival celebrating major events in the life of the Buddha.
49
Bodhisattva
Those who have dedicated themselves to achieving Buddhahood and those who vowed to seek enlightenment but have not yet attained it.
50
Upaya
Skillful means, the adaptable and compassionate way of teaching the Dharma. (story about Dad and the kids in the burning house)
51
Vajrayana
Diamond Vehicle, a form of Buddhism incorporating esoteric practices, mainly in Tibet and Mongolia.
52
Mandala
A sacred, symbolic geometric diagram used in meditation and rituals.
53
Pure Land
A Buddhist tradition focused on rebirth in a blissful realm called the Pure Land through devotion to Amitabha Buddha.
54
Who is 'Amitabha' or 'Amida'?
The Buddha of Infinite Light; central figure in Pure Land Buddhism.
55
Nembutsu
The recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s name 'Namu Amida Butsu' as an act of devotion.
56
Zen
A school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing meditation (zazen) and direct experience over scriptures.
57
Koan
A riddle or puzzling anecdote used in Zen meditation.

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